Gates Gets Hero’s Welcome on His Return to Work

In a scene reminiscent of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s triumphant return to the Philippines during World War II, embattled Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates returned to his office at Parker Center on Tuesday.

Eschewing the back door he usually uses to reach his office, Gates made a far grander entrance, pulling up to the front of police headquarters to be greeted by about 150 cheering supporters, about 50 scrambling members of the news media and a handful of jeering critics.

Ironically, it was the critics who got in the first word, shouting “Gates must go!” as the chief stepped out of his big, red sedan.

But those shouts were quickly drowned out by the chanting of his supporters, who clapped and yelled, “Gates must stay!”

Smiling broadly as he shook the hands and hugged the shoulders of dozens of the police officers and department employees who lined the walk in front of Parker Center, the chief took almost five minutes to make his way into the building.

“It’s nice to be back,” he said. “I appreciate this very much. These are wonderful people. We’re a family.”

Gates’ return was made possible when Superior Court Judge Ronald M. Sohigian issued a temporary restraining order on Monday that blocked the Police Commission’s decision last week to place the chief on a 60-day leave.

The restraining order had been sought by the City Council and attorneys representing the chief. It had been opposed by the commission, which was appointed by Mayor Tom Bradley.

The issue of Gates’ future has divided the city--and its officials--since the videotaped police beating of Altadena resident Rodney G. King on March 3. Gates called the beating an isolated incident and an “aberration,” but critics said it was symptomatic of continuing police brutality and demanded Gates’ resignation.

Tuesday’s event was choreographed almost as carefully as MacArthur’s meticulously chronicled return to the island nation he had been driven from 2 1/2 years earlier by invading Japanese forces.

By 8 a.m. Tuesday, news crews began gathering near the San Pedro Street gate at the back of police headquarters. The chief usually drives quickly through the gate and up to a back door that is off-limits to the news media, and there was concern among reporters and photographers that they might miss their opportunity.

Not to worry.

About 8:15, one of the chief’s aides sidled up to a cameraman to announce, in a stage whisper, that Gates would be coming in the front way.

The news crews dashed around to the front of the building, but there was plenty of time.

Workers were still putting up four huge bows made of blue ribbon that were said to show support for police officers--”our men and women in blue.” Three of the bows were tied around columns at the main entrance and one dangled from the roof on a long rope.

By 9:15, a sizable crowd of supporters, many of them sporting “blue ribbon” lapel pins, had gathered to form two lines--one down each side of the 100-foot walk leading from the entrance to the sidewalk. Virtually all of them were police officers or department employees who had gotten the word that the chief was on his way.

“I’m here to welcome him home,” said Cheryl Henderson, one of the employees. “I respect and admire him, and I don’t think he’s done anything wrong.”

“Let’s talk about 13 years of the best administrator any police department has ever had,” said Police Officer Wayne Zippi. “Gates is coming back where he belongs.”

At 9:30, with everyone in place, Gates’ car arrived.

His remarks were largely drowned out by the competing chants, but through the din, the chief said he was surprised by the turnout and didn’t know until then why aides had told him to delay his arrival for a few minutes.

Asked if he felt vindicated by the judge’s restraining order, Gates said: “I don’t know if there was any vindication necessary. . . . I just think (the judge’s ruling) was the right one. I don’t have any hard feelings toward anyone.”

Gates said he would like the opportunity to “sit down” with the mayor to resolve their differences.

Interrupted by the jeers of the protesters, the chief said: “I think a lot of people have forgotten about Rodney King. I don’t think these people really care about Rodney King at all.”

As he headed up the walk between the lines of cheering supporters, the crowd closed in around him and the beaming chief paused repeatedly to shake proffered hands, return eager hugs and acknowledge the people who were welcoming him.

“You’re No. 1, boss,” a man told him.

“It’s great to have you back,” a woman said.

“Thank you,” the chief said. “Thank you all.”

Mentioning that he had “a stack of paperwork” that needed his attention, the chief finally made his way into an elevator that took him to his sixth-floor office.

A few reporters and photographers followed him up there, but aides said the chief was too busy to be interviewed at his desk.

The photo opportunity was over.